Split Paddle Wheel propulsion design

You can desalinate water with this system or other used for propulsion, and use that fresh water for consumption or closed loop steam engine.

There are several desalination end processes even marinisation systems to remove salt from air

 

-Will[/QUOTE]
While the OP may have wisely given up on this thread, there may be some reason to look at complexity to enhance efficiency. The cupped and feathering wheel and the curved floats were used to achieve speeds around 20 mph on several ships. EMPRESS QUEEN

As for some hard data, there were some studies by Volpich and Bridge (1955) referenced by Harte et al reporting "on a set of trials of a relatively high powered [3.8 l V-6] and high rotational speed paddle wheel fastened to a purpose built 8m long planing skiff which achieved speeds in excess of 32 knots." (2011) Paddle immersion was 10 mm (sic) with a 1 m diameter wheel at 610 rpm.
https://www.marinepropulsors.com/smp/files/downloads/smp11/Paper/FA3-1_Harte.pdf

A more informative thread than this one was here some time ago, with links to other threads and a book on archive.com recommended by jehardiman.

This link has some readable history, including several links about riverboats in general at the end to more by the same author. The herringbone wheel pictured near the end turned out to be more like a helical gear versus straight cut gear to reduce the pulsing rather than increase efficiency.

This is a horribly produced video which I include only to illustrate the reinvention of Bolgers backwards slanted blades to reduce the rooster tail. It says that it produces some lift and more efficient thrust. It should start at 10 minutes, and I recommend turning it off before 11 minutes. The design seemed to move a boat pretty well in an equally awful video. Bolger thought it would reduce spray, and did not claim that it would go especially fast. His expectations were low and I think it was for a pedal boat which I could look up I ^if thought it was important.

 

They they tested dfferent immersion deep from 5mm to 15mm .Top speed was at 10mm.Also cupped paddle shape were tested. I can imagine changes in the wheel diameter, blade shape, blade angle, blade cross-section, etc.

As above changing the angle causes surprise.

 

The development of the Alligator rescue vehicle included a patent on cupped and angles treads that improved the in-water speeds from around 3 knots, with flat treads, to nine knots.

WWII Innovations: From Hurricane Rescue to Armored Landing | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/wwii-innovations-landing-vehicle

The goal for these vehicles was to be able to drive the vehicle through the water at a reasonable speed and also be strong enough to not break under the loads on land.

Donald had two prototypes, one would be used to pull the other out of the swamp on the rare occasion they got one stuck.



-Will

 

Its beautifull ,what a beast and this riveted body !
You wrote Donald did you know him?

 

Not personally, but my grandmother was his third wife. I carry his name.

-Will

 

Considering the years when the prototype was created, he was ahead of its time .

 

By all accounts, a brilliant engineer.

-Will

 

With enough money, 2700 hp, and some 23" water jets you can get one of the descendants of the alligator on a plane at 25 kt. It only weighed 75,000 lb and did 45 mph on land. The Marines operating the tracks still call themselves the Gator Navy. YAT - YAS!

 

Yes, and this monumental money-pit can now be taken out by a drone that probably cost less than one of its hatch covers.

Reminds me of that saying about how we're always fighting the last (as in, previous) war.

Sorry, off-topic.

 

The battlefield has never been a pleasant place, but now it's changing for the worse.
When I first read about AAAV I was amazed at how they made it planing. MTU diesel it had two modes normal and on steroids for waterjets. Intersting equipment.

 

What no rod holders?

 

I wonder what the miles per gallon, or feet per gallon, would be. You don't need rods when carrying explosives, just dab nets. So the tracks must be doing next to nothing; I wonder if they free spin, or are still driven, or are locked up, similar to a prop not free spinning on a sailing boat.
I like the original 'Alligator' prototypes better, with room for camping, or fishing, or many fun things. More useful than the old 'army duck'. Remember the old 6 wheeled personal ATV's in the 70's, they were split wheeled paddle boats when in the water. Remember the 'Banana Split Show' ? Those things looked like awesome fun when I was a kid. Probably nightmares to maintain.

 

Amphicat - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphicat
It also appeared in "Space: 1999"

 

No need to apologize. I think this thread has been off topic for quite awhile.